Knicks' Rookie Center Prepared To Make Big Impact

The New York Knicks made four selections in the 2024 draft back during the summer.

It's their second-round selections though, that appear to be the most NBA-ready. Most Knicks fans see the dazzling play from point guard Tyler Kolek.

It's backup center Ariel Hukporti that might be the most important of any of their selections, though. Hukporti was the last draft selection by the Knicks coming out of Germany. Through the preseason, though, New York believes they may have another diamond in the rough.

“I am taking it slowly, step by step,” Hukporti said to SNY's Ian Begley. "It’s my first time really playing in America, living in America, getting used to the coach and getting used to the game. I am trying to take everything step by step and not rushing anything.”

Hukporti signed a two-way contract with the Knicks but could help New York's depth concerns at center behind Karl-Anthoyn Towns.

At the very least, he's continued to impress New York's coaching staff along with his former staff as well.

Hukporti's former coach at BC Nevėžis in Lithuania, Bobby Gonzalez, thinks that the best is yet to come for the second-rounder.

“He has a chance to be very good in the league. He’s big, has great strength, moves well and works hard," Gonzalez said. "Obviously because I’m a New Yorker and root for the Knicks I couldn’t be more excited to see him here and follow his progress. I think the Knicks got another good player in the draft.”

Related: 'Selfless' Knicks Gearing Up For Best Year Yet Under Tom Thibodeau

Hukporti wasn't seen as a player who could make a major impact on the Knicks in 2024. To this point, though, the reality is he may be on the court a lot more than originally planned.

And that's ok for them.